LAHORE: Pakistan Awami Tehreek leader Dr Tahirul Qadri has denied widespread speculation he is backed by the military.

“I will fight against the Pakistan Army if it tries to take over,” Mr Qadri said in an interview, but stopped short of giving details of how he would do this.

“I am against military rule. My destination is true democracy,” he added.

On Thursday, he renewed his calls for a peaceful revolution, but was coy about his strategies, timing and ultimate goals.

“I will achieve my goal just through the struggle of the masses,” he said. “They will come out on the roads and will force the rulers to resign.”

Also read: Toppling govt is ‘too small’ an agenda, claims Qadri

The PAT leader wants the government to resign over accusations of electoral fraud, but is unclear exactly how its replacement would be chosen.

“I want neither mid-term nor long-term elections,” he said. “I don’t want anything which is not legitimate. My concerns are true democracy, fair elections and human rights.”

“Corrupt rulers are making money instead of resolving people’s problems,” he said.

In response, the Federal Investigation Agency has announced that it will scrutinise his assets.

Mr Qadri has sworn not to be deterred. “I want rule of law, equality between poor and rich, men and women, and Muslims and non-Muslims,” he said firmly. “I will continue my struggle until the goals are achieved.”

Published in Dawn, June 28th , 2014